
The Institute Blog
Thoughts on Jesus, Education, and Life from Faculty, Students & Grads
Student House Videos 2024/25
Watch and hear a little about this years' student house videos!
The Seriousness of Discipleship
To top off our Welcome Week events, President Gregg Garner spoke at the first chapel of the term, urging students towards the seriousness of discipleship, out of 2 Timothy 2. Here’s a summary of the discussion. In today’s fast-paced world, where media often shapes our perception of reality, it's crucial to revisit the foundations of our beliefs and the essence of education, particularly related to discipleship.
5 Things to Look for in a Bible School
Choosing a Bible college is a bold and often misunderstood decision, but it's important to find one that challenges and equips you for both ministry and personal spiritual growth. This blog highlights key aspects to look for in a Bible school, from rigorous academics and a healthy community to meaningful ministry opportunities and inspiring professors, ensuring your education aligns with your faith and future.
S2E28: There's Hope for Higher Ed in the midst of College Shutdowns
Jeff Sherrod and Laurie Kagay host Dave Meaders, Executive Vice President for The Association for Biblical Higher Education, discusses the role of Christian higher ed in shaping future leaders through discipleship. A timely podcast as much of the news has covered the failure of higher ed, specifically, many Christian colleges shutting down. Amid that, Medders stresses the need for flexibility, spiritual leadership, and listening to God's voice in shaping the future of education.
The Institute's ProDev Program vs. Federal Work Study
In this blog Katie Dunning explores the advantages of The Institute’s ProDev program compared to the Federal Work Study (FWS) program, highlighting how ProDev offers more comprehensive career development opportunities and financial support. Discover how ProDev equips students for success with hands-on experience, scholarships, and a biblical foundation that goes beyond traditional work-study programs.
From the Field Uganda: Immersion Testimony from Lydia
Lydia Winter shares a testimony about her immersion trip, the Word of God not returning void, and the growth in her and our community in East Africa.
From the Field Uganda: Immersion Testimony from Jesse
GOD International Immersion Particant Jesse Grooms testifies about how the Lord has led him, his immersion project, but moreover, the overarching project God has been doing in him.
S2E27: Why a Biblical Education Matters in the Construction Field
This podcast features two Institute alum, Matthew Parker and Stephen Carver, who are both employed in the construction industry while also working as pastors and development workers. Joined by hosts Gregg Garner and Jeff Sherrod, the four discuss changing job opportunities for graduates of Christian colleges, focusing on non-traditional ministry roles.
From the Field Uganda: Community Restoration
Olivia Beaverson writes about a standout moment in Eastern Uganda, asking herself, “Is what we’re doing enough?” only to be assured that God is working beyond what she can see.
S2E26: College Conversations Podcast - “Will College Cure My Loneliness?” (Transcript)
Join Institute for God professors Jeff Sherrod, Laurie Kagay and headmaster Gregg Garner as they explore the issue of loneliness among college students, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasize the importance of feeling seen and heard, integrating into community, and recognizing cultural values to combat isolation.
From the Field Uganda: WorkWell Program Begins in Uganda!
The launch of the program: WorkWell, in East Africa this summer has employed 6 teenage workers with one of the most important jobs there is - cooking! This team of Ugandan WorkWell employees has had the opportunity to cook meals for the team of summer interns as well as ministerial leaders from Kenya and Uganda who have been traveling and ministering with the summer interns.
From The Field Uganda: Students Living A Mission
This East Africa Immersion trip, Erin Gammill shares how she’s been blessed with the opportunity to help implement the first SLAM program in Uganda. She loved being behind the scenes and doing tasks to bring organization to the event, as well as getting to help with healthcare needs there.
S2E25: What Can a Small School Do that a Large School Can't?
This podcast focuses on the differences between small and large colleges, particularly in the context of Bible colleges and Christian higher education. President Gregg Garner, Laurie Kagay, and Jeff Sherrod, explore how school size impacts factors such as facilities, faculty, student-faculty relationships, and the overall college experience.
S2E24: Why You Can't Wait to Pursue a Biblical Education
Gregg Garner, Jeffrey Sherrod, and Institute Professor and historian Shaun Galford discuss the importance of prioritizing biblical education, emphasizing the need for understanding beyond symbols and procedures. They highlight the role of the community in educating the next generation and stress the significance of passing down faith and values, drawing on historical lessons.
From The Field India: Serving With Friends
Olivia Lasater shares her experiences being abroad on Immersion in India and how thankful she is for her education in the Bible. She testifies to the relationships she has and is building—she connects this to how important friends are to Jesus.
From the Field Uganda: Serving those in Need
Walt Reynolds, immersion participant, shares about a full week of ministry alongside the Summer Internship team.
From the Field Philippines: Reflecting On Challenges
Hear a testimony from Simon Liley from the 2024 summer South East Asia immersion team as he reflects on the challenging circumstances he’s witnessed. One of the most difficult things for him being to hold onto the stories he’s heard as well as the realities of poverty that he’s seen around the world with the critical lens that God gives us.
From the Field Philippines: Camp Skillz
South East Asia immersion team this summer gets the opportunity to to facilitate Camp Skillz (summer camp) for 28 kids. Hear from Simon Liley and his experience getting to be “Ninja Kuya” (Kuya means “brother” and is used to address older male figures) at camp.
From the Field Philippines: Malaya Means Free
South East Asia immersion team this summer gets the opportunity to host a weekend Leadership Bible Retreat for invited leaders from our campus & community in the Philippines, providing for them intensive times in worship, Bible study, and fellowshipping together. The hope of the time was to make known to them about God's building project, which is his children.
From the Field Philippines: Students Living A Mission
South East Asia immersion team this summer gets the opportunity to facilitate a SLAM week for the youth present. With the weeks theme being: ‘Reck’nize: Who you are & where you at’ pulled from Colossians 3:1-3, read Brittan Botzom’s testimony as to how God is using her team and moving in everyone there.